Sourcing Assistant

JCPenney; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalyst Brands is seeking a Sample Intake Coordinator (Sourcing Assistant) in New York to support sourcing, merchandising, and product development by logging, tracking, storing, and distributing product samples.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and proficient in Microsoft Office, capable of handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced retail environment, with opportunities for growth and benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year of administrative/retail/inventory/logistics experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Teams).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple requests simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, and document incoming product samples.
• Maintain accurate sample tracking records and inventory logs.
• Organize and store samples for easy retrieval and proper maintenance.
• Coordinate delivery, pickup, and redistribution of samples to partners.
• Monitor sample inventory and follow up on overdue or missing samples.
• Prepare samples for meetings, line reviews, and product evaluations.
• Ensure sample rooms and storage areas are organized and compliant with standards.
• Identify damaged, outdated, or excess samples and facilitate disposition.
• Support shipping and receiving, including labeling and packing samples for distribution.
• Communicate with vendors and internal partners regarding sample status and requests.
• Perform data entry and maintain records in applicable systems.
• Assist with special projects and administrative tasks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Prioritization & multitasking

Independent & collaborative work

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or related coursework in business/supply chain

Job description

Overview

The Sample Intake Coordinator (Sourcing Assistant) is responsible for the receipt, organization, tracking, maintenance, and distribution of product samples that support the sourcing, merchandising, and product development processes. This role serves as a key operational partner by ensuring samples are accurately logged, stored, maintained, and delivered to merchant and sourcing teams in a timely manner.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to sourcing, merchandising, product development, and cross-functional retail operations.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, and document incoming product samples from vendors and suppliers.
• Maintain accurate sample tracking records and inventory logs.
• Organize and store samples in designated locations to ensure easy retrieval and proper maintenance.
• Coordinate the delivery, pickup, and redistribution of samples to merchant, sourcing, design, and product development partners.
• Monitor sample inventory and proactively follow up on overdue or missing samples.
• Prepare samples for meetings, line reviews, presentations, and product evaluations.
• Ensure sample rooms and storage areas remain organized, clean, and compliant with company standards.
• Assist in identifying damaged, outdated, or excess samples and facilitate proper disposition.
• Support shipping and receiving activities, including packaging and labeling samples for internal and external distribution.
• Communicate professionally with vendors and internal business partners regarding sample status and requests.
• Perform data entry and maintain records within applicable systems and spreadsheets.
• Assist with special projects and administrative tasks that support sourcing and merchandising operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of administrative, retail, inventory, warehouse, logistics, or related experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Teams.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple requests simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Preferred

• Associate degree or coursework in business, merchandising, fashion, retail, supply chain, or a related field.
• Experience working with inventory tracking systems or retail operations.
• Familiarity with merchandising, sourcing, or product development processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, move, and transport sample packages weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the workday.
• Ability to move frequently between office, sample storage, and meeting areas.

What You Get

Enjoy a rewarding career at Catalyst, where we offer a competitive benefits package, a vibrant work environment, and the opportunity to make a difference with America's most iconic retail brands.

Generous benefits:Medical/dental/vision insurance starting on day one, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays, 401(k) Savings Plan with company match, and an associate discount on merchandise across all Catalyst Brands.

Opportunities for growth and development:We are committed to helping our employees grow their careers and develop their skills. We offer a variety of training and development programs, as well as opportunities for advancement.

Collaborative and supportive culture:We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage teamwork and collaboration, and we are always looking for ways to support our employees' success.

About Catalyst Brands

Catalyst Brands reflects the bringing together the rich heritages of our brands with modern excitement and a new vision for success.Five iconic brands came together under a unified powerhouse portfolio to celebrate the essence of American style.We will leverage our rich history, resources and best-in-class industry talent to further build the success of our brands.At Catalyst we are united in one shared purpose: We exist to ignite America’s most beloved retail brands to make fashion accessible to all.

For more opportunities to join our team please visitourcareers page.

Pay Range

USD $20.00 - USD $25.00 /Hr.